The objective of this study was to compare (i) The effects of a flywheel and free-weight resistance training program; and (ii) The effects of performing lateral and frontal split squats as part of a flywheel-resistance training program on jumping performance, the 5–0–5 change of direction test time, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat in soccer players. Twenty-four male amateur soccer players participated in this study and were randomly and equally assigned to one of three different test groups: forward split-squat group (FSQ); lateral split-squat group (LSQ); and free-weight training group (TRAD). Athletes in the FSQ group performed a squat and a forward split squat on a flywheel device, while those in the LSQ group performed a squat and a lateral split squat (instead of a forward split squat) on a flywheel device. Each training lasted 4 weeks. The main finding was that all training groups, such as TRAD, FSQ, and LSQ, significantly improved broad jump length (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.36), 5–0–5 COD time with a turn on the dominant limb (p = 0.038; ES = 0.49), and 1RM back squat (p = 0.001; ES = 0.4). In turn, both flywheel-resistance training groups (FSQ and LSQ) significantly improved their counter-movement jump height (p = 0.001; ES = 0.8 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.58; respectively) with no effect in the TRAD (p = 0.676; ES = 0.07) training group. Both free-weight and flywheel-resistance training lasting 4 weeks performed in-season contributed to significant improvement in 1RM back squat, broad jump performance, and 5–0–5 change of direction testing time, while flywheel-resistance training might be superior in counter-movement jump height enhancement in soccer players. Moreover, the manner in which split squats were performed was not a factor influencing the obtained results.

The main objective of the research was to determine neuromuscular control for different external loads, from 75% to 100% 1 RM (One Rep Max), during the flat bench press (BP) exercise performed with free weights and pneumatic loading. Despite extensive research on the internal structure of the BP exercise, few studies have examined the differences between muscular activity during the flat bench press movement between Free Weights and Pneumatic Loading. For this purpose, 10 male, trained subjects performed the BP exercise under two conditions with three different external loads (70%, 85%, and 100% 1RM), alternately with free weights and pneumatic loading. Pneumatic loading was performed on the Keiser Power Rack, where the pneumatic load was transferred as the resistance of the cables attached to the ground. EMG activity was recorded during the lifts for the following muscles: PM (Pectoralis Major), AD (Anterior Deltoid), Tblat, and TBlong (Triceps Brachii). The EMG signals were sampled at a rate of 1000 Hz. Signals were band-pass filtered with a cutoff frequency of 8 Hz and 450 Hz, after which the root-mean-square (RMS) was calculated. After completion of all the tests in a single day, 2–3 s evaluations of Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) of the prime movers in the bench press movement (AD, PM, and TBlong) were performed according to SENIAM procedures. The results of the present study indicate that pneumatic loading provides a significantly different muscle activation pattern compared to a standard bar during a heavy-loaded BP exercise. The pneumatic load was superior in activating the AD and TB muscles compared to the standard bar during the BP exercise.

Wprowadzenie: Siła mięśni bioder odgrywa ważną rolę w sprintach i urazach bezdotykowych, w których należy rozpoznać ich rolę w piłce nożnej. Badanie to miało na celu zbadanie związku między siłą porywacza biodra ( Abd ), przywodzicielem stawu biodrowego ( Dodaj ) i wydajnością sprintu liniowego ( 5 mi 35 m ). Szesnastu profesjonalnych piłkarzy ( Druga Liga Polska ) uczestniczyło w badaniu ( wiek = 24 ± 3,2 lat, masa ciała = 75,3 ± 9,58 kg, wysokość = 179 ± 5,6 cm, doświadczenie w treningu piłki nożnej = 8 ± 2,9 lat ). Sprint liniowy 5 mi 3 m został opisany przez: przyspieszenie szczytowe, prędkość szczytową ( PV ), względną siłę szczytową ( PF ), i względna szczytowa moc wyjściowa. Wytrzymałość na biodro Abd i Add została przetestowana za pomocą maksymalnych testów izometrycznych na obu kończynach dolnych. Testy T wykazały statystycznie istotne różnice między siłą prawej i lewej Add i Abd, (p < 0,001, dla obu ). Regresja stopniowa wykazała, że model bioder Abd, Add i ich stosunek przewidują PV ( R.2) = 37% ) i PP ( R2) = 36% ) w sprincie 35 m, a biodro Abd ze współczynnikiem Abd / Add może przewidzieć PF ( R2) = 16% ) i przyspieszenie ( R2) = 14% ) w sprincie 5 m. Wyniki niniejszego badania wskazują, że maksymalna wytrzymałość izometryczna Abd-Add i 5 m, a także bieg sprintu 35 m, są powiązanymi właściwościami sportowymi. Co więcej, biodro Abd i Add są typowe dla obustronnej nierównowagi siły siły siły. Dlatego ocena i rozwój tych cech są niezbędne dla trenerów do monitorowania i określania odpowiednich schematów szkolenia.

Introduction: his study investigated the relationship between hip abductor strength (Abd), adductor strength (Add), straight accelerations and decelerations, and during changes of direction (COD 90°) performance in basketball players. Material and Methods: Fourteen basketball players participated (age = 23.6 ± 4.4 years, body mass = 86.3 ± 5.9 kg, body height = 192.3 ± 6.2 cm, training experience = 6.7 ± 2.6 years). Straight running results and running with a change of direction (COD 90°) have been described as the time (s) obtained for a given length. Following tests were carried out: maximum isometric strength test, 20-m linear sprint and 20-m COD sprint with 90° direction change angles. Following the warm-up, all athletes performed two maximal 20-m linear sprints, interspersed with 5 min rest intervals. Following the 20-m linear sprint test, the participants were provided with a 5 min rest interval before completing the COD tests. Additionally, the balance in isometric strength of the dominant and non-dominant hip Abd-Add muscles were evaluated. Two maximum attempts interspersed with one-minute rest intervals were performed. Results: The t-test revealed statistically significant higher absolute and relative isometric strength of AddR (adductor right) in comparison to AddL (adductor left). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the maximum isometric force and the relative strength of the abductor muscle group have a significant effect on changing direction running. Moreover, hip Abd and Add are typical for strength bilateral strength imbalances. Therefore, the evaluation and development of these qualities are essential for coaches to monitor and prescribe adequate training regimens.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the wide grip bench press (WGBP) and the close grip bench press (CGBP) on power output and bar velocity changes using a variable tempo of movement (6/0/X/0 vs. 2/0/X/0) in a group of female athletes. Objective: Twenty females were enrolled in the study (age 26.6±2.6, body mass 54.4±7.2 kg, RT experience 2.5±0.94 years; CGBP 1RM 55.2±7.5 kg; WGBP 1RM 52.9±6.5 kg). Method: Participants performed two sets of three repetitions of the bench press (BP) at 70%1RM with different grip widths (WGBP or CGBP) and different tempos of movement (2/0/X/0 or 6/0/X/0). During each test the following variables were registered: mean power (MP), peak power (PP), mean velocity (MV), and peak velocity (PV). Results: The repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences between analysed variables for MV, PV and PP. The post hoc Tukey showed significant differences between WGBPSLOW and WGBPFAST for MV (p<0.01) and PV (p<0.01), significant differences between WGBPSLOW and CGBPFAST for PP (p<0.05), MV (p<0.01) and PV (p<0.05). Finally, the study showed significant differences between CGBPSLOW and CGBPFAST for MV (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present research showed that the movement tempo significantly influenced the level of power output and bar velocity during the BP. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the type of grip width during the BP is not a factor significantly affecting the level of power output and bar velocity.